Florida senator goes after trading EBT cards for guns

Florida senator goes after trading EBT cards for guns

A Republican lawmaker wants stiffer penalties for Floridians who swap out their Electronic Benefits Transfer “food stamp” cards for non-food items like drugs and guns.

The measure, pre-filed for the 2016 session, aims to help cut down on the underground traffic in buying, selling and trading state-issued EBT cards designed for families in need by making certain swaps for non-food items a felony.

“People are doing this outside the business world and within the confines of their own home. They are really defrauding government,” said Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Elkton, the legislation’s sponsor.

Huston’s proposal, SB 218, would make it a third-degree felony to possess two or more EBT cards that have been issued to other people and attempt to sell one. Further, it would expressly forbid trading cards or benefits in exchange for firearms, ammunition, explosives, or controlled substances.

Those found in violation could see up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines. In addition, Hutson’s bill would authorize a mandatory sentence enhancer of six months of community service with a nonprofit entity that works in food distribution for the needy such as a food pantry or soup kitchen.